A Day in the Life: David Pursell

SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Pursell Farms is one of the most beautiful venues in the United States and it is right here in our own backyard. It is home to a nationally renown golf course, FarmLinks, an Orvis shooting range, multiple lodging options and many more amenities.

The visionary behind it all: President of Pursell Technologies David Pursell.

He is the third generation of family leadership for Pursell Farms and he has not disappointed the people. Pursell Farms is as perfect as it has ever been, and a lot of that success falls on David Pursell’s shoulders.

But what exactly does the President of Pursell Technologies do? SylacaugaNews.com spent time with David Pursell get a glimpse of his everyday life.

Pursell normally wakes up right at or just before 7:00 a.m., but quite often rises before the sun. The first thing he does is fix a cup of coffee. Then he begins to make a healthy but simple breakfast for his wife, and the two enjoy coffee and quality time before the work day gets started. After breakfast. Pursell does a daily devotional, checks the internet for news, gets ready for work and heads to work.

His drive to work is short. Pursell explained it takes him no more than two minutes to make it to the office, so the work day comes fast. There is no time to meditate on his daily commute or prepare for everything he will face.

Upon arrival, his day is already set. He knows everything he will do before he gets there. Pursell does not plan any appointments early in the morning because Pursell Farms holds managerial meetings at 8:30 a.m.

“We have standup meetings that usually last no more than 15 minutes,” Pursell explained. “All the managers go into a bull-pen type setting and talk about the day, who is coming in and what the day’s events are. It’s just a chance for everyone to face-to-face communicate before the day starts.”

After meetings, Pursell’s train of thought quickly turns to the guests’ experience which is a priority to everyone at Pursell Farms.

“Anything we can do to improve the guest experience is where my mind is at most of the day,” he said. “So if I’m riding around and see a tree down or trash on the road I always stop to pick it up.”

His lunch break is not much of a break. He told SylacaugaNews.com he is much more a breakfast and supper person as opposed to a lunch person. A lot of times, Pursell works straight through lunch. “Occasionally I get to go out to the driving range and hit a few practice balls before or after lunch,” said Pursell. “That happens very rarely now, but as it starts getting warmer I’ll take the golf cart over and try to hit a few range balls at lunchtime.”

His afternoons are sometimes filled with meetings with the general manager and marketing director. These meetings give everyone an opportunity to discuss Pursell Farms’ goals and the big picture of of everything that is going on. Part of the big picture is the new wedding venue and restaurant and inn coming to Pursell Farms. These construction sites are where Pursell spends a large portion of his time.

Pursell’s work day goes a little later into the night than the usual. He said he usually leaves the office around 6:30 p.m. and heads home to his wife, Ellen. Time spent with his wife is very important to Pursell, and it helps him wind down his day. He said they cook dinner together which is usually a very healthy meal and almost always consists of a salad. The time with the Mrs. does not stop at the dinner table.

After dinner, he spends more time with his bride in ways that most couples do, watching their favorite shows that are recorded on the DVR. Their two go-to sitcoms are 24: Legacy and Timeless. Like many, the Pursell’s cannot watch their favorite shows without drinks and snacks. Pursell said they enjoy drinking an orange slush drink and share a bowl of microwaved popcorn. After a few episodes it is off to bed. At around 9:30 p.m., the Pursells prepare for bed. The lights are usually out by 10:30 where the Pursell’s rest up for another day at Pursell Farms.

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